The Kwara State Government has partnered with Olam Industries to allocate over 100 hectares of land for the cultivation of soya beans and maize, as part of efforts to ensure food security and improve agricultural productivity in the state.
The State Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Oloruntoyosi Thomas, disclosed this during a working visit to Okuta Town in Baruten Local Government Area.
She said that the government’s commitment to opening doors for partnerships with non-governmental organizations and agriculturists to develop the agricultural value chain in Kwara.
Hon. Thomas stated, “The government is collaborating with Olam to allocate farmland and train extension workers on soya beans and maize production, focusing on value addition to enhance food security and nutrition. The partnership includes providing 100 hectares of land and improved seedlings to farmers, ensuring better access to resources and higher yields.”
The Commissioner also announced the impending launch of a soya oil processing plant in Asa Local Government, facilitated by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq. She emphasized the significance of the plant in creating a seamless processing chain for soya beans within the state, bolstered by Kwara’s fertile land and extensive cultivation of over 150,000 hectares of soya beans.
“Kwara’s agricultural potential is vast, and with the government’s support, extension workers will ensure farmers adopt modern, technology-driven farming techniques to improve yields,” she added.
The Emir of Okuta, Abubakar Sero, expressed gratitude for the government’s agricultural initiatives, particularly in supporting grassroots farmers.
“We appreciate His Excellency for prioritizing farmers’ needs. This intervention will help address soil fertility challenges caused by extensive farming and boost yields,” the Emir said. He pledged the community’s support to ensure the project’s success, describing Hon. Oloruntoyosi’s appointment as fitting for the task.
Olam Agri Manager, Amit Mathur, outlined the programme’s benefits, including the provision of soyabean processing machines, technical training, and high-quality seedlings for farmers. He assured farmers of a ready market, as the company plans to purchase the harvest directly for soya oil production.
“This initiative will simplify farming activities and significantly improve production levels,” Mathur stated.
The General Secretary of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Baruten Chapter, Madubu Muhammad, commended the programme, predicting it would transform Baruten into a leading soya bean-producing community in Kwara.
“This initiative will greatly increase soyabean output and positively impact the livelihood of farmers in the region,” Muhammad said.
With partnerships like this, Kwara State is positioning itself as a hub for agricultural development, ensuring food security and economic growth through sustainable farming practices.
